Against the background of high AfD poll numbers, a possible ban is being discussed. But some warn that such a step could also benefit the party.
The Saxon Social Minister and SPD top candidate for the state elections, Petra Köpping, is in favor of examining a possible AfD ban procedure. “We should regularly examine the chances of an AfD ban,” Köpping told “Spiegel,” siding with SPD federal chairwoman Saskia Esken.
The NPD ban process failed because the party only achieved poor election results and therefore posed no danger. “I see things differently with the AfD,” argued Köpping. “The AfD is strong, it is a danger to democracy.”
Esken had spoken out in favor of regular review of an AfD ban. Her party colleague Carsten Schneider, the Federal Government’s Eastern Commissioner, warned against this. Such a procedure would have little chance and would increase solidarity with the AfD.
“Failure would be fatal”
Köpping also said that there was no need to pursue a ban without any ifs and buts, “because failure would be fatal for the social climate.” The strength of the AfD in Saxony is not new, said Köpping. “There were massive campaigns during the corona pandemic: against vaccination, against protective measures. This violent populism is eating away at democracy.” The democratic parties must counter this, “including the Union,” warned Köpping.
Former Bundestag President Wolfgang Thierse also spoke out in favor of examining a ban. “If the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution classifies the AfD as definitely right-wing extremist in three federal states, then the state has an obligation to consider banning the AfD,” the SPD politician told the “Tagesspiegel”. “But you have to think about it very soberly: there are high hurdles to banning a party in Germany, a ban process takes a long time, probably many years, and the AfD would exploit this significantly in propaganda and style itself as a victim.”
Merz criticizes Esken
CDU leader Merz also told the “Münchner Merkur”: “Such sham debates are grist for the AfD’s mill.” He particularly criticized Esken: “Does the SPD chairwoman seriously believe that a party that gets close to 30 percent in surveys can simply be banned? That is a frightening suppression of reality.” Only sensible political solutions to problems are effective, then the AfD will become smaller again.
Green Party politician: Significant constitutional hurdles
Green politician Konstantin von Notz sees high hurdles for banning the AfD. Above all, what is needed is a political debate in order to “take away the breeding ground” for the AfD, said the deputy chairman of the Greens parliamentary group at the German Press Agency in Berlin.
“The AfD is a party that deeply despises our democracy,” said von Notz. “It sows hatred and does great damage to our country and our democracy.” The security authorities have already classified various AfD branches and regional associations as definitely right-wing extremists.
A ban on parties is a possible instrument in Germany. “However, there are significant constitutional hurdles for such a ban procedure,” added the Green politician. “And anti-democratic ideas cannot simply be banned.” That’s why Democrats have to provide the AfD with content. At the same time, the constitutional bodies must keep an eye on the assessments of the security authorities and “carefully weigh up the arguments for and against a ban”.
Left leader: Don’t give up on the option of banning the AfD too quickly
The Left chairman Martin Schirdewan is also open to a process to ban the AfD. “The option of banning parties should not be dismissed too quickly,” he told the German Press Agency. “And unlike the NPD, the AfD could unfortunately no longer avoid a ban through insignificance.”
A ban on the NPD was rejected by the Federal Constitutional Court in 2017 because the party had too little weight to implement its unconstitutional goals. Schirdewan said: “I have no doubt that the AfD poses a threat to democracy.” It demagogically incites people against each other and deliberately disrupts social cohesion.
“A democracy must defend itself against this with persuasion and with good politics in the interest of the majority, which creates trust,” emphasized the Left leader. “You just shouldn’t think that your homework will be done if you ban a fascist party. The focus should first be on your own political work.”
In all polls for the federal election, the AfD is well ahead of the governing parties SPD, Greens and FDP in second place behind the CDU/CSU with more than 20 percent. In Saxony, Thuringia and Brandenburg, where new state parliaments will be elected in September, surveys show the AfD at the top by a significant margin. In Saxony, Thuringia and Saxony-Anhalt, the party is classified as “certainly right-wing extremist” by the state offices for the protection of the constitution.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
